Pens extend GM's contract

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Sports Network

Sep 20, 2010

, Last Updated: 11:39 AM ET

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins have given general manager Ray Shero a five-year contract extension through the 2015-16 season.

Shero has been with the franchise since May of 2006 and was the architect of the Penguins' Stanley Cup championship team in 2008-09. The club also reached the Cup Finals in 2008 and has made playoff appearances in each of his first four seasons as GM.

"This was an easy decision," said Penguins co-owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle in a joint statement. "Ray has done a tremendous job with our hockey operation -- not only leading us to the Stanley Cup in 2009, but also building a team that can continue to compete for the Cup year after year."

The Penguins have eclipsed 100 points in three of Shero's four seasons with an Atlantic Division title in 2007-08. Last year's squad finished with 103 points and lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals to Montreal.

"In addition to his work with our on-ice product, Ray has also created a family atmosphere in our organization, where players know they will be treated very well," added Penguins CEO David Morehouse. "He is committed to having our players and coaches involved in the community and our charitable efforts, and helping make the Penguins a positive asset to the Pittsburgh region."

The 48-year-old Shero is the son of former Stanley Cup winning coach Fred Shero of the Philadelphia Flyers, and previously spent eight years as assistant general manager at Nashville after holding the same position with Ottawa for six years.